The environment is shifting—and our farming practices need to shift with it. Crops like wheat and barley, long staples of Australian agriculture, are struggling in the face of climate change. As pressures mount on farmers, land, and livelihoods, our agricultural future depends on diversification: exploring crops that thrive where others can’t.

The contenders? Hemp, agave and Plantago.

These emerging crops are hardy, adaptable, and versatile, so they thrive in tough conditions and offer a wide range of uses from construction and renewable fuels to dietary health supplements.

University of Adelaide researchers are championing these plants, identifying the best varieties for different regions, and finding ways to unlock their full potential. Their work is helping farmers build resilience, make better use of marginal land, and meet the growing demand for climate-smart products and healthier food.

Join us in May to learn about the next generation of Australian agriculture.

The presenter

Professor Rachel Burton is a plant scientist and molecular biologist. She has served as Chief Investigator in two Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence, and as Head of the Plant Science and then Food Science Departments at the University’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. She was one of the 30 inaugural Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM, and she subsequently served on the STA Board as the Plant and Ecological Sciences representative. Rachel’s research group, along with various industry partners, are focussed on developing innovative pathways to make crops multifunctional—useful for food, fibre, building materials, replacement plastics and medicine, but also highly sustainable and carbon neutral.